Original Stories.

Putaruru Press, 9 March 1933, Page 3

Original Stories.

GUM TREE HILL. (By Rene Gifford, St. Joseph’s School, Morrinsviile, aged lb years) 1 liiiiv v, as great . excitement on Gum liee Hill one fine Saturday morning. There could only be one Mung to cause suen commotion. Old Mrs. Must-be was going to give a grand ball in her fiorne, Silver Dell, on the far side of the hill. Now, Mrs. Must-be was by far the oldest lady who ever lived in a gum tree house. Everybody loved her, from tiny Hilary Hedgehog to the beautiful Queen and noble King who ruled Gum Tree Hill. What a queer assortment of people lived on that high, tree-clad hill—witches, animals, old hobble-de-hoy people, dainty fairies, pixies and elves. Yet, strange as they were, how proud they were of their beautiful home, and the proudest of all was old Mrs. Must-be.

As far back as anyone could remember, this bright-eyed, cheery old woman had held a grand ball every year. Now I think you can imagine the - excitement and turmoil it created. At last the great day came. Old Mrs. Must-be, in her best and queerest old gown, beamed with delight on the shining, slippery floor of her grand hall, on which she had worked so many long days. The walls of her tree home shone with fairy polish, while, rustling in a gentle breeze and freshly painted by the Pixy Painters, the silvery gum .leaves gleamed in the soft rays of the sun. Seeming satisfied with her work, the old lady hobbled off to the end of her queer old path to gaze up the hillside. She chuckled with joy as she saw, slowly winding their way on the well-trodden pathway, six old, old people, who lived together in a twisted gum tree as old and as queer as themselves.

Next to come was Fairy Mischief, and she half flew, half danced, down the steep slope, singing happily. Her small white teeth flashed as she smiled gaily to all her bird friends. Now old Dame Must-be had many friends who were very dear to her, but her dearest and best friend was this sprightly little imp of mischief. There was a great understanding between them, and whenever Fairy Mischief was in disgrace she knew who to go to if she wanted sympathy. (It was, of course, our old friend.)

Hilary Hedgehog, bringing with him Hazel Hedgehog, his young lady, came scampering among the trees. He wore a stiff white collar, making his spiky bristles stand out in a threatening ring.

At last all the guests had arrived, including all the birds. Oh, how proudly their old. favourite led the way up the quaint old pathway which was so well known to them all. The sun was slowly sinking to rest behind his red bedroom curtains, making the picturesque hill glow like a great smouldering coal, and the old lady’s tree home looked like a fairy thing in the departing light. Fairy Mischief looked even more beautiful in her tiny silver costume, her dark, riotous curls bound with a dazzling string of fairy dewdrop pearls. Her bright brown eyes darted everywhere, and she looked very well suited to her name.

Soon they arrived at the entrance to the tree, and soft elfin music greeted them as of old. How happy they all felt as they danced and sang. Mrs. Must-be watched them lovingly as they swirled gaily past.

At last there came a sweet chime of silvery fairy bells. The dancing ceased, while everyone waited breathlessly for the entrance of the King and Queen. The great door rolled back, admitting someone who was even more lovely to look upon than Fairy Mischief. Yes, the Queen of Gum Tree Hill. Falling over her delicate shoulders, her bright golden hair shone in the red light of the torches. Her eyes were a deep blue, and her complexion was like the delicate inner side of a sea shell. Her dainty silver-spangled dress trailed on the smooth floor. Lowering her silvery wings, she spoke in a sweet, clear voice. “ I am so pleased to he able to come. I do hope you will all enjoy yourselves.” She was followed by the King, erect and handsome, whose crown twinkled like myriad tiny stars in the uncertain light. The King danced with Fairy Mischief a great deal, and everyone felt happy. Even the old witch with the crooked nose was pleasant. (The witches on Gum Tree Hill were not I very wicked.) j After the dance came the great feast in the large diningroom, and ' here was Fairy Mischief’s chance j to play her naughty tricks. She

sprinkled pepper in the old witch’s food, until she sneezed her glasses off. She slipped all the daintiest morcels of food from the Queen’s plate and ate them herself. Worst of all—now, this is really wicked—she placed a small piece of painted wood in Hilary Hedgehog’s green leaf pudding. He spluttered and choked, and at last swallowed it. Of course he was very ill indeed and had to return home. Fairy Mischief was frightened and also sorry then. She went, of course, straight to old Mrs. Must-be to ask her advice, but to her great surprise she found that good lady not very sympathetic. “Go straight to the Queen and confess what you have done,” she ordered sharply. Before she had quite recovered from her indignation at this command the little Fairy felt a gentle tap on her shoulder and there stood the Fairy Queen herself, looking so unhappy that Fairy Mischief ran to her and put her arms about her neck.

All is well that ends well in a Story and this is just what happened. Hilary Hedgehog had quite recovered in a day or two, Mrs. Mustbe and the naughty fairy were still the best of friends, but best of all, she had almost given up her wicked ways! There was also some good news for everyone. The announcement of the little hedgehog’s marriage to Hazel Hedgehog had spread like wildfire, and Mrs. Mustbe was giving even a grander ball to celebrate, to which everyone was invited.

OFF TO SCHOOL. (By Jessie Dalton, Matamata J.H.S., aged 12 years.) “Wake up! Wake up! It’s after seven!” I heard these words coming from the kitchen as I opened my eyes. Useless, I knew it was, to plead with mother for a few minutes more lie in; but feeling very sleepy, as I was up till ten o’clock the night before, I rolled over and pretended to go to sleep and accidentally fell into a deep slumber. “Are you up?” I heard again. With a flying leap I landed on the cold linoleum, which soon woke me up. I hurriedly dressed and went out to mother, who was busy in the kitchen. “You naughty girl, haven’t I told you before to wash before you dress ? ” she shrieked. I meekly answered, “ Yes, mum.” “ Get into the bathroom at once.” I made my way to the bathroom and turning on the tap I plunged my hands into the icy water. “ Wash your neck behind your ears,” called mother, again. “ Righto,” I spluttered through

J the flannel, and gingerly dabbed be--1 hind my ears with a wet sponge. Grabbing my towel I dried my face and hands and then brushed my hair. “ Feed those fowls as soon as you can,” came mother’s melodious voice, again. Putting on my gumboots I ran out to the shed where the maize was stored and took a tin full over to the fowlhouse, where I scattered it on the ground for the hens and ducks to eat. Gathering the eggs I took them inside and left them on the bench for mother to put away. “ Breakfast is ready,” said mother. Sitting down on a chair I ate my porridge, which was followed by scrambled eggs on toast, and cocoa. The meal being over I found my coat and hat; then rushed out and bridled the horse as quickly as I could, because the time was ten minutes past eight, and I had to catch the bus at the gate at fifteen minutes past eight. On arriving at my destination I saw the bus coming down the road. When the driver stopped the vehicle I scrambled in and took my seat ready for the journey to school.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE. They’re changing guard at Buckingham Palace— . Christopher Robin went down with Alice. _ Alice is marrying one ox the guard. A soldier’s life is terrible hard, Says Alice. They’re changing guard at Buckingham Palace— Christopher Robin went down with We looked for the King, but he never came: Well, God take care of him, all the same, Says Alice. They’re changing guard at Buckingham Palace — Christopher Robin went down witfi They’ve great big parties inside I wouldnnT 1 be" King for a hundred P ° UndS> Says Alice. They’re changing guard at Buckingham Palace— Christopher Robin went down with looked out, but it wasn’t the King’s . . He’s much too busy a-sigmng things, _ ... Says Alice They’re changing guard at Buckingham Palace— Christopher Robin went down with “ IhJ'you think the King knows all “ Sure to, dear; but it’s time for tea,” Says Alice —A. A. Milne.